New Releases
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1589 – The English Armada and the Fortunes of Don Antonio
Everything was set to deliver a body blow to Spain after the defeat of ‘The Invincible Armada’ in 1588. With aid anticipated from Turkey, Morocco and Holland, and the French looking on with interest, the English Armada, with Sir Francis Drake as its admiral and Sir John Norris as commander-in-chief of the land forces, on Queen Elizabeth’s instructions, was to assist the people of Portugal to rebel against their Spanish overlords, and to place on the throne Don Antonio, Prior of Crato, as King Antony the First of Portugal.
That was the plan, and on the 28th of April 1589 the fleet set sail.
A note about the cover illustrations:
The background shows 16th century Lisbon with the River Tagus in the foreground, the portraits are of the main participants, Queen Elizabeth I of England, King Philip II of Spain, Sir John Norris, Sir Francis Drake, and in the centre, Don Antonio, Prior of Crato.
£9.99 -
75 Men, A Shipwreck and Me
Seventy-Five Men, A Shipwreck and Me is the true story of a daring race to recover a treasure trove of silver from a torpedoed wreck lying one-and-a-half miles beneath the Indian Ocean. The quest unites seventy-five seasoned seafarers, each skilled in navigating the ocean’s mysteries. However, they face an unexpected challenge: adapting to Catherine, an English woman aboard their converted drill ship.
“Catherine Bailey’s true story of a salvage expedition to the Indian Ocean is a vivid account of her own experience aboard a salvage vessel, the only woman in a large crew of hard men hungry to locate a vast fortune of sunken treasure. Told with energy, wit and unflappable composure, Bailey’s account of the voyage is by turns exhilarating, comic and fraught with tension. A marvellous account of an extraordinary adventure.”
– Patrick McGrath, author of Asylum and Martha Peake.
£9.99 -
In Deep & Shallow Water
Every individual, whether humble or powerful, shapes the world into which they are born. Imagine stepping into a bygone era with no chance of return, where a single variable alters the future forever. In this tale, ghosts are not mere spectres but real people existing in the same space at different times, or perhaps guardians of time itself. The allure of unlocking the secrets of time travel is irresistible. But can a woman, especially one who is dead, be trusted with such profound mysteries?
£6.99 -
Bedtime Stories for Clever Kids
Young children are more perceptive than we might imagine. Curiosity and intelligence are a heady cocktail for creative storytelling that informs, entertains and educates. This author could not resist.
We might not realize how observant young children are. They have a lot of curiosity and intelligence that make them great at creating stories that can teach, amuse and enlighten. This author was drawn to this.
You may wonder what a child understands about freedom, the environment, tolerance and self-worth. This book is for sensitive kids who want to know more about these tough topics. The themes are presented in small pieces in a safe and interesting setting, with colourful illustrations throughout. Moral questions are woven into the dialogues with the characters, with some humour and fun. The aim is that bedtime stories like these will encourage meaningful and loving conversations between parent and child. The imagination has a power that can take us anywhere. The experience can be thrilling and the lessons learned can be life-changing.
Parents may not know how to broach a subject. These stories open a door for them to do so. The door is open. So, are you just going to stand there, or are you coming in?
£16.99 -
Star of Destiny
Flavius Septimus, the commander of the Sepphoris garrison in Galilee, harbors a dark secret that casts a shadow over the lives of his son, Linus Flavian, and Maria of Magdala. In these novels, Linus, Maria, and Joshua, the Biblical Jesus, are born under a mysterious star in a world steeped in superstition and intrigue. As the Jewish Temple hierarchy, the Herodian dynasty, and the Romans vie for power in tumultuous first-century Judea, their adolescent lives unfold, intertwined with personal destinies shaped by the beliefs surrounding their births under that enigmatic star.
“In providing historical, economic, and religious details, Peter Longley builds a bridge between spiritual divinity and traditional Christianity. Finally, it’s a relief to find a theologian that makes sense of the Bible and its many translations!”
– Jeanette Parker, USA“Longley blends a fantastic mixture of historical and fictional figures and events to narrate the early lives of Joshua, (also known as Jesus of Nazareth,) Maria, (also known as Mary Magdalene,) and Linus Flavius, (the fictitious son of a high-ranking Roman official.) Using simple, effective prose, Longley tells an engaging tale that offers plausible explanations of those well-known stories of the miraculous, such as the virgin birth and the turning of water into wine. Longley tells an intriguing story in a setting that is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.”
– Sacramento and San Francisco Book Reviews, USA“Longley’s feeling for the Roman and Jewish point of view is superb.”
– Dorothy Thompson, Scotland“I very much enjoy your interpretation of the life of Jesus and feel it is much more logical than the accepted version. I have always had a fascination with Mary Magdalene and her life as well. I found this book to be very interesting. Nothing I have read on Mary Magdalene has had the same sort of story line including that of her mother.”
– Cheryl Huffman, USA£15.99 -
Waiting
An experimental clinic in Buckinghamshire is suspected of having ties to drug importation from East Africa, facilitated through the Mediterranean island of Gozo, where there are hints of Russian influence and potential money laundering. Hugo Stratton, Marcia, and agents from Britain’s Secret Services delve into these possibilities, while Group Captain Reginald Young investigates the ‘Clinic’ on UK soil. As the plot unfolds, a Russian ‘cell’ operating in Poland is uncovered, leading to the shocking revelation of a long-suspected traitor within the British establishment.
This is the third and final book in a trilogy: Watching, Withstanding, and Waiting.
£11.99 -
The Dini Bridge Bible
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of bridge with Dini Thorne as your guide. From bidding basics to more advanced play, Dini’s friendly advice and clear explanations will have you enjoying this timeless game in no time. Whether you’re new to bridge or looking to sharpen your skills, The Dini Bridge Bible is your essential companion on the path to becoming a confident player. Let the adventure begin!
£7.99 -
Outlaws
Gwin must return to the beautiful, deadly, world of Empire if she is to find her friends, betrayed and hunted, running for their lives. Mysterious forces are in play, and their rescue will become a revolution. Hidden by mists, marshes and magic, Gwin gathers a renegade army to drive back an invader, battle crushing odds, and save the world.
£12.99 -
The Princess Knights
Join Leya and Lexi, two spirited young girls on a quest to become princess knights!
Armed with dreams, swords, and a touch of magic advice, they journey through challenges, embodying bravery and kindness.
This heartwarming tale unfolds into a story of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. A delightful adventure for readers of all ages.
£7.99 -
Midnight Adventures Garden Underworld
Milanni anticipates a routine summer holiday at her grandparents’ house, but she soon discovers that this visit might alter her perception of reality and fantasy forever.
As everyday objects mysteriously transform before her eyes, Milanni begins to question the existence of magic. Could these bewildering events be more than mere coincidences? She wonders if her grandfather holds deeper knowledge about these strange occurrences, or if it’s all just a figment of her vivid imagination. The concept of a world beyond what she perceives tugs at her curiosity. Is what she’s experiencing a dream, fantasy, magical reality, or simply the bewildering revelations that come with growing older? Why has no one ever explained these mysterious changes to her? Milanni’s journey this summer is set to challenge everything she thought she knew.
£6.99 -
Lakewood
In March 1926, Sam and Sally received a letter from a lawyer inviting them to attend an urgent meeting. They were shocked to find they had been left a thousand-acre estate. The mystery was that they had never met the man who bequeathed them the estate known as Lakewood, and that his son had been disinherited.
The estate was deserted when they first visited it, since all the staff had been dismissed, but Sam and Sally resolved to try to rebuild it. The mystery as to why they had been left the estate is gradually revealed. Whilst struggling to run the estate, they met characters such as Rudge, their handyman; Tansy, the visiting gypsy; Agatha, the village witch who sold herbal cures; and Joe Button, who led a mysterious double life.
Their optimism was shattered when they received a summons; the son was challenging the will. The stressful but sometimes humorous proceedings would determine whether they would be able to continue rebuilding the estate or be ruined. With everything at stake, Sam and Sally must navigate the complex web of secrets and alliances surrounding Lakewood to uncover the truth behind their inheritance and secure their future at the estate.
£12.99 -
The Last Report
Gwen, a renowned news reporter in Sydney, dedicates her life to exposing the devastating global climate crisis, hoping her work will drive change. Amidst the chaos, Gwen shares an unbreakable bond with her boyfriend, Tom. When Tom is offered a job in London, they face the challenge of a long-distance relationship.
As their lives diverge, the world plunges further into crisis, with a new virus emerging as a consequence of climate change. Gwen falls victim to the illness, and her passing leaves Tom shattered.
Tom eventually rebuilds his life, finding love and starting a family. Yet, the world continues to grapple with the consequences of the climate crisis. Gwen’s legacy lives on, inspiring those who knew her and readers of her work. She is remembered as a tireless warrior who fought for a better, healthier world.
£6.99